UAE announces strong squad for Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2; Rahul Chopra to lead

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are gearing up to host the next round of ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) League 2 matches starting Sunday, October 26, with Nepal and the USA joining the action in Dubai. The series, which forms an integral part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 global qualification pathway, will take place at two premier venues — Dubai International Stadium (DIS) and ICC Academy Oval 1 (ICCA).

Tournament overview and fixtures

The week-long tri-series will feature seven matches in total, all starting at 9:30 am local time. Teams will aim to gain valuable points in the ICC CWC League 2 standings, which determine qualification for the next phase of the World Cup.

The tournament will commence with a Nepal vs USA clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, October 26, setting the tone for an exciting series.

Hosts UAE will open their campaign against the USA on Tuesday, October 28, at the same venue. They will then face Nepal at ICC Academy Oval 1 on Thursday, October 30, followed by a rematch with the USA on Monday, November 3, at DIS. The home side’s final encounter will be against Nepal on Wednesday, November 5, again at the ICC Academy Oval 1.

Apart from the UAE’s fixtures, Nepal and the USA are also scheduled to play each other twice — first on the opening day and again on Saturday, November 1, at the ICC Academy Oval 1.

Rahul Chopra to captain young UAE side

UAE’s selectors have announced a balanced 15-member squad led by wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra, who will shoulder the dual responsibilities of captaincy and glovework. The side features a blend of promising young players and experienced campaigners, reflecting UAE’s long-term vision for building a competitive one-day unit ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The squad includes talented batters such as Alishan Sharafu, Haider Ali, and Shoaib Khan, while Junaid Siddique and Simranjeet Singh will spearhead the pace attack. The spin department looks strong with Muhammad Rohid Khan and Zahid Ali capable of exploiting Dubai’s dry surfaces.

Emerging all-rounders Dhruv Parshar and Harshit Kaushik have also earned call-ups, highlighting the selectors’ intent to provide exposure to fresh talent.

Also READ: UAE seal the last berth for T20 World Cup 2026 as full 20-team lineup takes shape

Building momentum for World Cup 2027 qualification

The ICC CWC League 2 acts as the gateway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, offering teams a crucial chance to accumulate ranking points. The competition is known for its intensity, with every match carrying significant weight in determining qualification for the global event.

For the UAE, this series marks an important opportunity to strengthen their standing and showcase their growing depth in white-ball cricket. With home advantage and a youthful side under Rahul’s leadership, the hosts will aim to deliver consistent performances against strong opposition in Nepal and the USA.

UAE Squad for Cricket World Cup League 2

Rahul Chopra (captain & wicketkeeper), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Dhruv Parshar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Shahdad, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Shoaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh, Zahid Ali.

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